If you suffer from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, you know how debilitating and restrictive it can be. Mobility aids can help with symptoms caused by this mystifying condition- and also preserve autonomy and prevent potential injury. Learn more and share insights during Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Awareness Month this March.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Awareness Month in March reminds us of the challenges facing so many battling this disease. This condition is earmarked by severe tiredness and exhaustion that is not alleviated with rest. It can be debilitating and limit activity daily. This observance in March is designated to bring attention to an often-invisible condition that impacts millions.
One of the many areas of life that Chronic Fatigue Syndrome interferes with is mobility; mobility issues can cause falls and subsequent injuries that can threaten overall health and wellbeing. If you, or someone you care about, live with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, consider implementing and using some basic mobility aids to make life easier, more accessible, and a whole lot safer.
Talk to your primary care provider about a referral if necessary, and check out these basic mobility aids for coping with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome:
Start Simple
When you think about mobility aids, start by thinking about simple and fairly small aids that can make a big difference. For example, a reaching tool is something that brings out-of-reach objects within your grasp without the risk of falling over, tripping, or over-extending an arm or leg, which could subsequently hurt. Another simple but significant mobility aid is the grab bar; grab bars belong in every home, disability or not. These small fixtures can prevent major injuries and countless falls when placed strategically around the home, in the bathroom, near stairs, and on landings. Grab bars could prove to be a lifesaver if you experience dizziness from Chronic Fatigue symptoms, which can come on fast.
Visiting a mobility dealer is a great way to foster familiarity with the different devices and to determine what will and will not work in your own home living environment. Plus, the knowledge of a seasoned mobility retailer is invaluable. They can point you in the right direction for aids to fit your needs, budget, and prognosis.
Add Access at Home
After you have some working knowledge surrounding mobility aids, begin taking a closer look around at your home environment. Is it safe? Are there fall hazards that could cause potential injury? Are there spots to sit and rest throughout the day, during and after ADLs? Become critical of the home environment to tease out any obstacles or risks that can be alleviated. Remove fall hazards, like loose flooring, rugs, clutter, or furniture that causes crowded or cramped spaces. If you shuffle your feet when you walk, consider removing floor coverings and carpeting that could trip you up.
Another thing to consider is your upstairs if you have one. This is often where the bathrooms and bedrooms of the home are located, so an inability to access these spaces is life-altering. Consider a stairlift to prevent Chronic Fatigue symptoms from keeping you out of the upstairs of your home. Your neighborhood mobility vendor will demonstrate these devices and discuss payment options, including insurance coverage if applicable.
Get Out of the House
If you struggle with symptoms stemming from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, it is even more critical that you get out of the house once in a while. Unfortunately, there are many physical barriers and hurdles that could make this challenging if not impossible to do. If you drive a vehicle, consider vehicle lifts that can help you in and out of your car or truck. Just need help navigating the steps? What about a portable ramp that can go where you go, throughout our day? Plus, these ramps can help smooth out thresholds, curbs, or risers that could prove difficult for someone who is experiencing medical symptoms. Want to get in the pool? Talk to mobility vendors about more complex equipment, like pool lifts, to make life better.
Ease into Everyday Living
Get back into everyday living with a little bit of help for your symptoms. Consider a simple cane or walker to rely on when moving about becomes too strenuous. The options are limitless, so visit a mobility vendor to find out more.
Use these tips and suggestions when contemplating your options in treating mobility issues caused by Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Don’t risk injury by neglecting declines in mobility or physical limitations; talk to your practitioners and try out various devices to find what works.
Do you live with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome? Ready to do something to empower yourself, gain accessibility, and improve the overall quality of life? Visit or talk to the industry experts at Pacific Mobility; they can point you in the right direction for mobility aids and equipment to make living with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome much easier and less restrictive.
President, Husband, Father, Grandfather Graduate of UC Davis- Bio Sci Major- Go Aggies! Jeff has extensive experience in all of Pacific Mobility’s products and services, and specializes in accessibility products as well as stairlifts, ceiling lifts and custom wheel chairs. His hobbies include spending time with family, gardening, mountain biking, exercising and off road motorcycle riding.
24 years as Owner/President of Pacific Mobility Center – selling, installing, and servicing stairlifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts, pool lifts, handicap ramping, specialty wheelchairs, scooters, power wheel chairs, and other power mobility devices
Certified Environmental Access Consultant since 2008
Licensed General Contractor since 1998
Certified Aging in Place Specialist since 2016
Board Member for Home Access Professionals
Member of Association of Members of the Accessibility Equipment Industry (AEMA)
